08/26/2026
🇺🇸 25 Years • Never Forget | First Responders Remembered — Story #5
Today we remember Yamel Josefina Merino, an Emergency Medical Technician with MetroCare Ambulance.
Yamel was just 24 years old, but she had already built a life centered around determination, service and helping others.
A young mother to her 8-year-old son, Kevin, Yamel earned her GED and pursued a career in emergency medicine. She joined MetroCare Ambulance in 1998, earned her EMT certification, advanced into the 9-1-1 division and was named MetroCare’s EMT of the Year in 1999.
She dreamed of continuing her education and becoming a nurse.
On September 11, 2001, Yamel was among the first emergency responders to arrive at the World Trade Center. She volunteered to move toward the towers while her partner remained with their ambulance.
Yamel was providing medical aid to evacuees outside the South Tower when it collapsed.
She never made it home to Kevin.
After her death, Yamel was honored as New York State’s EMT of the Year.
As we continue our series leading up to the 25th Anniversary Patriot Climb at Sunrise Park Resort, we remember that behind every number from September 11 was a person—a parent, spouse, child, friend and coworker whose future was taken that morning.
Yamel was a mother with dreams still ahead of her. And when people needed help, she moved toward them.
Twenty-five years later, we say her name: Yamel Josefina Merino. 🇺🇸
Where were you on 9/11?
